With diligent practice there is a strengthening

“With diligent practice (abhyasa) there is a strengthening-
the talents, capacities and will. With release of the outcome ( vairagya),
there is a surrendering of these strengths to the service of something higher
or subtler.” Ravi Ravindra

In a conversation with a friend last week about yoga, I commented that I love practicing because it does not matter whether I am talented with yoga or not, the practice is always there for my ability. He replied by saying “You are very talented with yoga”.

I was flattered and thanked his compliment, but truth be told to his perception it appears I have a natural ability only because for 11 years I have kept coming back to the mat.

Yoga Sutra 1.13:  Steadiness in the practice requires continuous
effort.

We are at the 4th week of focusing on vrksasana, tree pose. This Saturday, we will practice surrendering our hearts open even while engaging continuous effort, finding a steadiness of ability and desire.